Method

To prepare any of these smoothies:Add all ingredients to a blender in the order listed and cover. Start the machine on low speed, gradually moving up to the highest setting once the whole mixture is moving freely. Blend on high for 1-3 minutes, or until the beverage is completely smooth. Each recipe makes 1 large or 2 small servings.

Snow BunnyOften labeled as “free radical fighters”, vitamins A and C help to battle troubled winter skin from the inside out. Both carrots and romaine are praised as top sources for these key antioxidants, and winter pears lend natural sweetness to this lightly creamy, yet icy delight.

Ingredients

4 large romaine lettuce leaves, roughly chopped

2 small bartlett pears, cored and roughly chopped

1 cup (250 mL) carrot juice

1 ⁄ 2 cup (120 mL) crushed ice

1-2 tbsp maple syrup, to taste

1 ⁄ 4 tsp turmeric (optional, for color)

Crimson Crusader
The bright red hue in beets is more than just a pretty package. It signifies the presence of betalains, phytonutrients that have been shown to give antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cellular detoxification support.Magnifying both the color and benefits of this brilliant beverage, whole cranberries have shown promise in warding off infections, protecting the liver and anti-cancer activity. To tame their tart disposition, fresh vitamin-rich fruit rounds out this blend.

A number of studies have shown that the lowly beet is high in dietary nitrate, a natural substance that boosts the efficiency of working muscles, delays exhaustion, and improves overall exercise performance.

Not a beet fan? Chard, arugula, celery, and rhubarb are also high in dietary nitrates. Mix these vegetables into your morning smoothie for a high-octane endurance boost.

Ingredients

• 2 cups coarsely chopped spinach

• 2 cups filtered water

• 1/4 cup frozen blueberries

• 1 small raw beet, trimmed and chopped (about 1/3 cup)

• 1 pear, cored and chopped

• 1 stalk celery, chopped

• 2 tablespoons ground chia seeds

Optional: 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Method

Place all ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. (If your blender isn’t powerful, grate the beets and chop the celery into small pieces.)